Anglais · 2ème année Bac — Lettres

Linking Words

Linking Words

1. Definition and Rule

Linking words — also referred to as conjunctions, connectives, discourse markers, or transition words — are words and phrases whose primary job is to connect ideas: within a single sentence, between consecutive sentences, and across paragraphs. They reveal the logical relationship between clauses, making both spoken and written English more coherent and easier to follow.
All four terms (linking words, connectives, discourse markers, transition words) are broadly interchangeable in English Language Teaching. At upper-secondary and Baccalaureate level, the terms linking words and discourse markers appear most frequently in curricula and formal assessments.

2. Form and Structure

Linking words come in three main grammatical shapes:

A. Single-Word Conjunctions (Simple Form)

Coordinating conjunctions join elements of equal grammatical rank: and, but, or, nor, yet, for, so. A comma is placed before a coordinating conjunction when it joins two independent clauses.
Subordinating conjunctions introduce a dependent clause: because, since, as, if, when, while, although, unless, until, before, after. When the dependent clause comes first, add a comma after it.
Conjunctive adverbs (discourse markers) are flexible single words that organise ideas: however, therefore, moreover, furthermore, nevertheless, consequently, thus. When joining two independent clauses, place a semicolon before and a comma after the marker.

B. Phrase-Based Linking Words (Compound Form)

Two-word phrases: in addition, as well as, even though, due to, in spite of, on the other hand, in fact. Three-or-more-word phrases: as a result, in conclusion, at the same time, due to the fact that, so that. Phrase-based linkers are common in academic and formal writing.

C. Correlative Conjunctions (Paired Form)

These always work in pairs and require grammatical parallelism — the two elements connected must share the same grammatical structure:
  • both … and
  • either … or
  • neither … nor
  • not only … but also

3. Uses — The Nine Functional Categories

Linking words are grouped by the relationship they express:
  • Addition — to add or extend ideas: and, also, furthermore, moreover, in addition, as well as, besides
  • Contrast — to show opposing or conflicting ideas: but, however, on the other hand, in contrast, whereas, nevertheless, yet
  • Cause and Reason — to explain why something happens: because, since, as, due to, owing to, on account of
  • Effect and Result — to show consequences: so, therefore, consequently, thus, as a result, as a consequence
  • Purpose and Intention — to express a goal: so that, in order to, to, with the intention of
  • Condition — to introduce hypothetical situations: if, unless, provided that, as long as, in case
  • Concession — to accept an idea while signalling an unexpected contrast: although, even though, despite, in spite of, nevertheless, admittedly
  • Example and Illustration — to clarify or support with specific instances: for example, for instance, such as, namely, in particular, specifically
  • Conclusion and Summary — to signal the end of a discussion: in conclusion, to sum up, in summary, finally, overall, in short

4. Worked Examples

Addition

The programme is flexible and affordable. Moreover, it leads to internationally recognised qualifications.

Contrast

The weather forecast predicted sunshine, but the temperature never rose above 10°C.
The weather was poor; however, attendance at the event was high.

Cause and Reason

Since it is my birthday tomorrow, I would like to invite you all to celebrate.
Due to heavy snow, the school closed for the day.

Effect and Result

I am unwell today and therefore will not be coming to work.
Demand increased sharply; consequently, prices rose across the market.

Purpose

She studied every evening so that she would pass her final examinations.

Condition

You may have dessert provided that you finish your main course.

Concession

Although it was raining heavily, we decided to go for a walk.

Example

Many activities improve cardiovascular fitness — for instance, swimming, cycling, and brisk walking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, linking words are indispensable tools for producing coherent and cohesive writing.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1 — Using 'because' and 'so' in the same sentence

Both words already express the cause-result relationship. Combining them creates redundancy.
  • Wrong: I stayed home because I was tired, so I did not go out.
  • Correct: I stayed home because I was tired. / I was tired, so I stayed home.

Mistake 2 — Combining 'although' and 'but'

'Although' is already a contrast marker. Adding 'but' duplicates the function.
  • Wrong: Although it was raining, but we went for a walk.
  • Correct: Although it was raining, we went for a walk. / It was raining, but we went for a walk.

Mistake 3 — Incorrect punctuation with 'however'

When 'however' joins two independent clauses it requires a semicolon before it and a comma after it, not a simple comma.
  • Wrong: The weather was bad, however we went out anyway.
  • Correct: The weather was bad; however, we went out anyway.

Mistake 4 — Confusing 'because' with 'because of'

'Because' introduces a full clause (subject + verb). 'Because of' is a preposition and is followed by a noun phrase only.
  • Wrong: I stayed home because of I was tired.
  • Correct: I stayed home because I was tired. / I stayed home because of my illness.

Mistake 5 — Overloading a sentence with multiple connectors

Using several overlapping linkers in one sentence creates confusion. Stick to one primary linking word per sentence.
  • Wrong: I was tired, so because it was late, and I decided to go home.
  • Correct: I was tired and it was late, so I decided to go home.

Mistake 6 — Mixing formal and informal registers

Informal discourse markers such as like, you know, I mean are inappropriate in academic essays. Choose markers that match the required register.
  • Wrong (in an essay): The methodology was good. Like, the results were clear. You know, more studies are needed.
  • Correct: The methodology was sound. Furthermore, the results were clear. Consequently, further studies are recommended.

Mistake 7 — Repeating the same linker throughout a paragraph

Repeating but or and in every sentence makes writing monotonous. Vary your linking words to improve quality and flow.
  • Wrong: I wanted to go. But I was tired. But the weather was bad. But I went anyway.
  • Correct: Although I was tired and the weather was poor, I went anyway.

6. Punctuation Quick Reference

Correct punctuation is as important as choosing the right linking word. Here are the essential rules:
  1. Coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses → comma before the conjunction: I studied hard, and I passed.
  1. Coordinating conjunction joining words or phrases → no comma: I enjoy reading and writing.
  1. Subordinating conjunction — dependent clause first → comma after the dependent clause: Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.
  1. Subordinating conjunction — dependent clause last → no comma: We stayed indoors because it was raining.
  1. Discourse marker at the start of a sentence → comma after the marker: However, the results were unexpected.
  1. Discourse marker joining two independent clauses → semicolon before, comma after: The plan was clear; however, it lacked detail.
  1. Discourse marker in mid-sentence → commas on both sides: The results, however, were unexpected.

7. Register: Formal vs. Informal Linking Words

The same idea can be expressed with different linking words depending on context. Always match your choice of linker to the required register.
  • Formal / Academic: furthermore, consequently, nevertheless, in conclusion, on the other hand, therefore, in addition
  • Neutral / General: because, although, when, before, after, while, though
  • Informal / Spoken: and, but, so, anyway, well, like, you know
Discourse markers also perform different roles in speech: anyway shifts a topic, actually signals a correction or surprise, and well acts as a hesitation filler. These informal markers should not appear in written academic work.

8. Why Linking Words Matter for Your Bac Exam

In formal writing assessments, coherence and cohesion — two of the core marking criteria — depend directly on your correct and varied use of linking words. Examiners look at whether your ideas flow logically, whether paragraphs are clearly connected, and whether the reader can follow your argument without confusion. Discourse markers can account for a significant portion of writing marks in high-stakes exams, so mastering them is not optional.
Linking words are the tools that turn a collection of disconnected sentences into a coherent, well-argued piece of writing. They signal structure (firstly, finally), logic (therefore, as a result), balance (however, on the other hand), and closure (in conclusion, to sum up). Using them deliberately and correctly is the hallmark of a strong Baccalaureate-level writer.
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Key point: Never combine two linking words that express the same relationship (e.g., although … but; because … so). Use only one linker per logical connection. Match your choice to the register — formal markers (furthermore, consequently, nevertheless) belong in academic writing; informal ones (and, but, like, you know) belong in conversation. Always check your punctuation: discourse markers joining two independent clauses require a semicolon before and a comma after (e.g., … ; however, …). Vary your linking words throughout a piece of writing to achieve natural, fluent, examiner-ready English.